The HCA Forum is taking place at the DoubleTree Brighton Metropole on 14-15th April 2026. It is the UK’s only national event dedicated to the production, delivery, and service of nutritious food for patients, staff, and visitors in the NHS. It will be hosted by TV presenter and food expert Chris Bavin.
A collective voice carries more weight than an individual one. With so many key issues being similar across public sector catering, the PSC Alliance has been working with the HCA and other industry associations for a number of years to help increase representation and profile. She will update HCA delegates on the collaborations.
Previously Brown was previously The School Food People (formerly LACA) national chair and one of her main focus as was the underfunding of free school meals in England and the differences across the four nations.
The worrying issue on funding and the challenges of service delivery faces all public sector catering services from hospitals and schools to prisons and care homes. This issue will be a huge focus as her two years as chair of the PSC Alliance.
The Forum will showcase products, services, and solutions from over 100 suppliers, giving delegates the chance to explore the latest innovations in hospital catering. The event will provide practical insights, equipping attendees with actionable strategies and the confidence to innovate within their organisations.
Other speakers at the HCA Forum include:
- HCA Updates: national chair Iain Robertson
- Eat Well for Less: forum facilitator Chris Bavin
- Food Safety Updates and panel: featuring Nadim & Tanya Ednan-Laperouse
- Managing and Supporting Mental Health Issues: Charlie Hodson/Camilla Woods from Hospitality Action
- Retail & Vending: Ashford & St Peters NHS Trust - Raouf Mansur/Eimear Jordan
- The importance of Supporting the Catering Service - A CEO's perspective: Joe Harrison, chief executive of Milton Keynes University Hospital
- Keynote motivational session: Aaron Phipps